feet on the ground..

[Laz]

Good post.

The one thing that impresses me about the team Rafa is building is that, if so inclined, he could name his starting eleven days before the game but that it would not give a clue about the formation he intended to use. The inclusion of Kuyt would only add to this as he can play down either wing as well as up front.

[univofchicago]

Good stuff Mark, and you're quite right about Duff, Gudjohnsen and Crespo. I was saying to a Manure fan in my office yesterday that these players used to scare the ****e out of me. And now they are gone. I can't, thus far, see how Chelsea have impoved at all during the break. I could easily be proven wrong, but they appear to have deconstructed a winning formula. Maybe they'll replace it with a new one. But they also may not.

Yes. I agree with you. Duff, Gudjohnsen and Crespo are quality players - really surprised Moaninho let them go...

[Mumsafan]

Pretty much all of your post is spot-on. We're still underdogs... and expecting to win the league may end up being a problem (much liek England with the WC).

We have a lot of work to do, and the fixtures against the top 3 have to go our way.

I for one, can't wait, and think it' going to be an interesting contest.

I suppose that means you'll be all over excited again at the West Ham game.

[brendan]

Good stuff Marky.

I'm stupidly optimistic that Bellers won't fcuk this chance up by being a silly boy. I'd be more concerned about his propensity for injuries; he's always likely to pick up a knock.

[mark1975]

Cheers chief, I've got to say, Bellers has probably impressed me most, though I'm quietly optimistic that Gonzalez, Aurelio and Pennant will have a positive impact, even if it's only as part of the squad. The fact we've got these options means we'll surely go one better (at least). Surely?

[brendan]

Cheers chief, I've got to say, Bellers has probably impressed me most, though I'm quietly optimistic that Gonzalez, Aurelio and Pennant will have a positive impact, even if it's only as part of the squad. The fact we've got these options means we'll surely go one better (at least). Surely?

Hope so.

Just spotted that KT thread that rather amazingly suggest Bellers could score 20-30 goals.

That IS optimistic.

[Tom]

Hope so.

Just spotted that KT thread that rather amazingly suggest Bellers could score 20-30 goals.

That IS optimistic.

I doub't he'll get that many, he'll be rotated for starters, and being bellamy will pick up an injury picking his nose or something.

[mark1975]

Hope so.

Just spotted that KT thread that rather amazingly suggest Bellers could score 20-30 goals.

That IS optimistic.

Yeah, I think in this current team he's capable of 15ish (overall), anything more is a bonus, but I also think he'll bring alot to the team in terms of awareness and creativity.

We still need a 'striker' though.

[Mumsafan]

He's starting for Wales tonight. Hope he don't get injured

[mark1975]

I hate these internationals, this is the worst week of the season for them